Metal stitching apparatus



Feb. 23, 1965 Filed Sept. 10, 1962 J. P. REGAN ETAL METAL STITCHING APPARATUS 4 Sheets-Sheet 1 Febo 23, 1965 Filed Sept. l0, 1962 J. P. REGAN ETAL METAL STITCH'ING APPARATUS 4 Sheets-Sheet 2 @meg/.i

Feb. 23, 1955 J. P. REGAN ETAL 3,170,161

METAL STITCHING APPARATUS Filed sept. 1o, 1962 85 ffy" j@ 5 4 sheets-sheet s 96 Feb. 23, 1965 J. P. REGAN ETAL 3,170,161

METAL. STITCHING APPARATUS Filed Sept. 10, 1962 4 Sheets-Sheet 4 CHANNEL 0%;9

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United States PatentOiiiice 3,176,161 METAL STITCHING APPARATUS John P. Regan, Lake Forest, and Chester M. Wytaiik, Itasca, Ill., assignors to Inland Steel Products Company, Milwaukee, Wis., a corporation of Delaware Filed Sept. 10, 1962, Ser. No. 222,287 9 Claims. (ci. 1-152) This invention relates to an apparatus for prefabricating panel assemblies. It is more particularly concerned with an apparatus lfor stitching sheet-like panels to a supporting framework.

The use of assembly techniques for attaching or mounting large area thin sheet-like materials such as plywood, expanded metal lath, thin gauge metal perforate or irnperforate sheets, or the like, to a supporting framework to impart rigidity and structural integrity to the panel member generally has the objective of facilitating the prefabrication of panel members for subsequent use in the construction of room enclosures, sidewalls and roof members for track and trailer bodies and other installations where large wall and roof areas have to be covered. Fastening expedients lfor attaching the panel member to the framework is governed by the compatibility of the sheet-like member, supporting framework and the fasteners used to effect the union of the sheet-like member and the framework, the materials of construction used in fabricating thevpanel components and other factors.

The development of metal stitching (vide: Tool Engineer, November, December, 1951) provided a quick and economical method for attaching thin section sheetlike materials to supporting framework without precleaning, drilling, punching or hole alignment operations. The metal stitches are formed of high-tensile-strength steel wire using high speed, power-driven stitching machines. Such machines, however, have limitations because in the conventional machine, the driver and the clincher block are held in a fixed relationship by the stitching framework. This arrangement minimizes the flexibility of the machine and limits its application.

In accordance with this invention, there is provided a metal stitching apparatus which utilizes a moving stitch driving head and a stationary clincher block system mounted on a suitable framework which holds the panel member and 4framework in stationary alignment during the stitching operation. By using the apparatus of this invention, the work-piece is held stationary while the stitching apparatus moves, whereas in the conventional apparatusthe converse occurs.

In the drawings:

FIGURE l is a perspective view of an illustrative embodiment of a stitching machine of this invention. FIGURE 2 is a fragmentary enlarged view of a portion of FIGURE l illustrating the movable stitching head carrying the power-driven wire former and driver and the stationary clincher blocks.

FIGURE 3 is an end view Iof the stitching apparatus of FIGURE 1 showing the -panel and framework supporting table and means for holding the framework lstationaryon the machine.

FIGURE 4 -is a cross-sectional fragmentary View illustrating the adjustability feature of the clincher block Amounting table.

FIGURE 5 isa viewv of the indexing vmechanism and electrical switching arrangement for positioning the stitching head in alignment with a clincher Iblock and simultaneously effecting theoperation of the stitching head and subsequent release to permit movement of the stitching head to the next indexing station.

FIGURE 6 illustrates an accessory for facilitating the movement of the framework work-piece during the stitch- ,ing operation.

FIGURE 7 is an illustrative side view of the clamping device for holding the framework stationary on the clincher block assembly.

FIGURE 8 is an illustrative front View of the clamping device shown in FIGURE 7.

FIGURE 9 is an illustrative sketch showing a typical supporting framework and panel member in position on the clincher block assembly.

Although the instant invention has wide application in the assembly of a variety of panel fabrications using a number of fastening techniques, in order to facilitate an understanding of this invention, the following description will be directed to an illustrative embodiment of this invention having application in the assembly of prefabricated metal lath and metal channel panels described in application Serial No. 135,706, filed August 23, 1961, by George E. McGurn, and now abandoned.

Referring to the drawings, the illustrative stitching apparatus consists of a supporting structure 10 having a rectangular base 11 and vertical and upright standards 12 and 13. Suspended between standards 12 and 13 are a pair of heavy duty structural I beams 14 and 15 whichfunction as a bracing system for imparting structural rigidity to the supporting structure 10 as well as track for movably mounting a conventional metal stitching head 16 on a trolley member 17 which rides on wheels 18 on the lower flanges 14A and 15A of beams 14 and 15.

The clincher block table 20 is mounted on the side members of base 11, by means of legs 21 which converge to an apex upon which are mounted base plates 22. A sub-table 23 extending the length of the frame 10 is integrally attached to the base plates 22 by welding or the like. Spaced along the upper surface of the sub-table 23 are stub columns 24 to which is adjustably attached by means of threaded fasteners 25 the clincher block base 26. In fabricating base 26, structural channels 27 and 28 are welded together to form a box section. A longitudinally extending guide rail 29 is secured to the upper surface of table 26 and serves as a slide guide for the longitudinally adjustable clincher blocks 30.

As shown in FIGURE 4, table 26 is adjusted by means of screw jacks 35. Three sets of screw jacks 35 are provided in order to align vertically the entire length of table 26. Slideways (not shown), in which the terminal ends of table 26 ride, are attached to cross members 37 on standards 12 and 13. The screw jacks 35 consist of a pair of inwardly converging legs 38 and 39 attached at their upper ends to the sides of table 26. The lower ends of legs 38 and 39 rest on cross members 40 attached to the side members of base 11. Slots 41 in the lower extremities receive cap screws 42 and 43. Laterally projecting lugs 44 and 45 depend from legs 38 and 39 adjacent the upper ends of slots. Threaded pads 46 and 47, which engage the threaded portions of screws 42 and 43, are mounted on lugs 44 and 45. The lower ends of screws 42 and 43 rest on cross member 40 which acts as a bearing surface to permit the raising or lowering ofthe lugs 44 and 45 and thereby eect the vertical adjustment of the base table 26. In adjusting the table, the threaded fasteners 25 are slackened and the desired vertical adjustment made by the screw jacks 35 after which the threaded fasteners are tightened to secure the base table at the proper elevation to permit the stitching head to cooperate With the clincher blocks to assure the formationV of a properly clinched wire stitch.

As shown in FIGURES 2, 3 and 4, a plurality of clincher blocks 3i) are slidably mounted along table 26 and attached thereto by means of fasteners 49 cooperating with a pattern of threaded holes in thetable 26top to provide the necessary number of stitching stations for producing the panel assembly. In the illustrated machine, the clincher blocks 30 are provided with clinchforming grooves 51 to make a standard loop. Other groove profiles can also be used to make by-pass loop clinches, outside loop clinches or tlat clinches. In fabricating metal lath and channel panels, the so-called standard loop has been used effectively. Furthermore, the relationship of the stitching head 16 and the clincher blocks 30 is such that the stitches can be applied to the work-piece either perpendicular, parallel or diagonal to the line of pull. The illustrated machine is arranged to provide perpendicular stitching.

The clincher blocks 30 are fabricated with a bottom slot 52 and two upper slots 53. The bottom slot 52 engages the guide rail 29. The slots 53 form recessed areas which are drilled to receive threaded fasteners 41 which engage cooperating threaded apertures located in the upper side of base table 26. The drilled holes are drilled over-size and slotted to permit an alignment of the stitching head 16 and the clincher bars 30. Other techniques, however, can be used for movably securing the clincher blocks 30 to the base table 26. Clinch-forming grooves 51 are provided in each end of the clincher blocks 30. The ends of the clincher block 30 are spaced from the upper side of the base table 26 to receive the flange portion of a metal channel member which is used to form the framework in the metal lath and channel panel structure fabricated by the illustrative machine. The clincher block 30 is raised above 'the surface of the table 26 to receive a variety of channel widths.

The stitcher head 16 seen in FIGURES 2 and 3 is mounted on a trolley assembly 17 comprising a carriage 61 having truck plates 62. Axles 63 and 64, upon each of which are mounted lower guide wheels 65 and 66 which ride along the bottom surface of anges 14A and A respectively, are journalled in truck plates 62. The carriage 61 rides on wheels 18 which roll along the lower outer flanges 14A and 15A of beams 14 and 15. The rolling profile of wheels 18 matches the riding profile of anges 14A and 15A. A bracket 67 having a box crosssection extends laterally across the carriage 61. On the bottom side of the bracket 67 is attached a mounting plate 68 upon which is slidably mounted a slide plate 69 held in a sliding position by means of flanged mounting frame comprising a pair of side flanges 70 which slidably engage the opposed sides of slide plate 69. The stitcher head 16 is suspended from the slide plate 69. To move the stitcher head 16 into cooperative engagement with either clincher forming groove 51A or 51B, a lever 71 pivotally mounted on the mounting plate 68 and attached at an intermediate point to the slide plate 69 is used.

Lock 72 is used to retain the stitcher head 16 in alignment once it has been moved into position. As shown in FIGURES l, 2 and 3, a latch plate 73 is mounted on bracket 68. Latch holes 74A and 74B are located on the latch plate 73 in appropriate locations to permit the slide plate 69 to be locked in position with relation to the opposed clincher forming grooves 51A or 51B. A spring-loaded latch pin 75 operated by a flexible cable 76 is reciprocatively mounted in a suitable bracket on latch arm 77 which is .attached to the housing 78 of stitcher head 16.

A chain and sprocket drive 79 is used -to move the carriage 61 ofthe trolley assembly along the track provided by beams -14 and 15. A handle 79A is used to operate the chain and sprocket drive.

A conventional stitcher head 16, powered by an electrical motor and operated as 'hereinafter described, is employed in the illustrative apparatus of this invention. Stitch-forming is carried out in a conventional manner with 'the stitch-forming and driving being done by the stitch-forming mechanism shown generally at 16, the clinching being effected by the clinch-forming grooves 51A or 51B, as the case may be, in clincher blocks 30, and wire for use in forming the stitch is fed from wire supply coils mounted on reels 81 which are attached to the carriage 61.

To provide automatic operation of the stitching mechanism, an indexing system is employed which insures the alignment of the stitcher head at a selected stitching station and simultaneously therewith triggers the operation of the stitcher and instantaneously thereafter effects its subsequent release for travel to the next station. As shown in FIGURES 1, 2, 3, and 5, a plurality of wedgeshaped indexing stops 82 are slidably mounted in an upright position along the upper flange of beam 14. The stops 82 consist of wedge-shaped stop plates 83 which are mounted on a guide bar 84 by means of suitable apertures provided in the plates 83. The guide bar 84, which is not attached to the frame but is held in position by the stop plates 83, stabilizes the stop plates 33 'and helps to prevent any misalignment which might occur when the stitcher head is moved into position and stopped by indexing stop system 82. The front portion of the stop .plate S3 extends outwardly from the apparatus frame; the rear portion extends inwardly and depends downward from the inner upper flange of beam 14. In this position, the rear portion of stop plate 83 functions as a stop for the indexing mechanism 90. Frictional locks 85 and 86 are employed to hold the stops securely in position on the frame 10 and guide bar 84 respectively.

The indexing mechanism consists of a lever 91-operated latch 92 which is spring-loaded in the raised position and mounted in a suitable slide guide to reciprocatively move in a vertical direction, an electrical switch 93, an electrical relay and two-time delay switches (not shown) which are actuated by switch 93. The first time-delay switch controls the operation of the stitcher head motor and the second time-delay switch controls the operation of solenoid 99, which operates lever 91 and thereby disengages the latch 92 from the stop plate 83 with which it is engaged. The indexing mechanism is contained in a suitable housing 94 attached to the carriage 61. The latch 92 has a wedge-shaped slot located in its upper tip which is constructed to engage stops 83 to hold the carriage 61 in a locked position during the stitching operation. The latch 92 is longitudinally separated into two parts 92A and 92B in order to prevent the latch 92 from overriding the stop plate 83. A pin 96 extends from the side of the latch 92 and engages a slot 97 in lever 91 which is pivotally mounted at one end of housing 94. The other end of the lever is coupled to the armature 98 of solenoid 99 which normally is in a de-energized condition. A suitable electrical power source, not shown, controlled by the electrical switch elements of the indexing mechanism 90, is used to provide electrical power to operate the stitch-forming and driving mechanism 16. Electrical power is conducted to the stitcher head motor by means of electrical conductor cable 110, which is coiled into a helical form with each bight of the coil attached to a pulley means 111 which travel along a wire 112 connected between upright stanchions 113 and 114.

Work supporting shelves and 121 extend outwardly from the frame 10 in a horizontal position at the level of the clincher blocks 30. The shelvesl 120 and 121 consist of laterally extending side arms 122, 123, and 124. A skeletal table is formed by longitudinal and parallel members 126 and 127. At the free edges of the shelves l120 and 121, elongated rollers 128 are mounted to facilitate manipulating the sheet-like material and supporting frame on the apparatus during panel fabrication.

Several aids are utilized for aligning the components of the Prefabricated panel constructed on the machine in this invention. When the channel members are initially positioned on the clincher blocks 30, as shown in FIG- URE 4, one flange of the channel rests on the upper surface of the clincher blocks 30. Because the channel members are rather long, in order to facilitate the positioning of the entire length of the channel member on the clincher blocks, a series of aligning shoes 130 are piv- -otally connected to the longitudinal member 126 of the work supporting shelf 120 closest to the clincher table 20.

By means of links 131, which are attached at one end to push rods 132 and at the other end to pivots, which are spaced along longitudinal member 126, a reciprocal motion can be effected in the operation of the aligning shoes 130. A similar linkage arrangement is also employed at the outer ends of the push rods 132 to provide a parallelogram type of linkage. At the outer end an elongated push bar 13S is used. At the inner end an aligning shoe 136 is attached to an upright arm 137 forming the push rod assembly. Aligning shoes 136 cooperate With a corresponding clincher block 30 such that when an inward movement is imparted to the push rod linkage by asserting a force against push bar 135, the shoes engage the channel member at spaced points along its entire length to push the channel into position on the clincher blocks 3).

When alignment has been effected, a pivotally mounted channel lock 140 is used to secure the channel members on the clincher blocks 3i) during the stapling operation.

` The channel clamps consist of a plurality of clamping arms 141 which are pivotally attached at spaced locations to the clincher block table at axis 142. The lower end of the channel clamps 141 are connected to a throw rod 143 which is common to all of the clamps and which is operated by a 'suitable lever 144. In the normal position, the clamping arms 141 are retracted below the surface of the clincher blocks as shown in FIGURE 2 and spaced between the shoes 136 of the aligning mechanism. Thus, after the aligning mechanism 130 has functioned to position the channel members on the clincher blocks 3ft, the aligning mechanism 130 will hold the channel member in position temporarily until the channel member is locked into position by the clamps 140.

There is also provided as part of work supporting shelf 121, a retractable sheet stop 150. Sheet stop 150, which is shown in a retracted position in FIGURE 3, normally will extend above the upper surface of the work supporting shelf 121 by means or" recesses 151 which straddle the parallel members 127 of Work supporting shelf 121. The sheet stop 150 is mounted at either end to a pair of arms 152, which are pivotally attached on work supporting shelf 121 and at 153. The sheet stop 150 is counter-balanced by means of weight 154 in order that the sheet stop 150 can be retracted below the surface of the work supporting shelf 121 in order to facilitate the manipulation of the panel being constructed during its fabrication.

In FIGURE 6 is shown an auxiliary aid which also facilitates the manipulation of the panel assembly on the work piece shelves 120 during fabrication of the panel. This device consists of a pair of bracket members 160 which straddle two of the longitudinal members 126 on work piece shelf 120. A pair of spring-loaded pillow blocks 161 are provided on each of these brackets and journalled therein is an axle 162 upon which is mounted a roller 163. When the frame element of the panel is positioned on the stapling machine, the roller 163 will raise the portion ot' the frame in contact therewith above the level of the clincher block table 20. However, when the channel member is clamped in position on the clincher block table 20 for stitching, the roller 163 will retract and permit the frame to rest evenly on the Work piece shelf 120. When the clamp 140 is released after the stitching operation and the channel disengaged from the clincher blocks 50, the frame can then'be manipulated about by means of the cooperation between the roller elements 123 and 163 mounted on the work piece table.

In the operation of the machine, the frame member which has already been prefabricated is placed upon the clincher block table 2t) with the ange of the channel to which the sheet material is to be stitched resting on the clincher blocks 30. The channel member is positioned by means of the aligning bar mechanism and thereafter clamped in place by means of the clamp arms 141. A suiiicient number of pieces of sheet-like material are laid on the frame and the proper alignment and overlap thereon insured by means of sheet stop 150, the indexing stops 82 having been positioned to provide the desired stitch pattern. The stitcher head 16 is moved into its initial position on the trackway adjacent the end of the apparatus at which crank member 79A is located. The chain and sprocket drive 79 is put into operation by rotation of crank 79A and the stitcher head 16 moved into the first stitching station, at which point the indexing mechanism hereinbefore discussed insures the proper alignment of the stitching head and the appropriate stitcher block cooperating therewith, and simultaneously triggers off, the sequential operation of the time delay switches hereinbefore mentioned, the first of which effects the operation of the driver element of the stitcher head and the second of which releases the latching arrangement of the indexing mechanism to permit the subsequent movement of the stitcher head into engagement with the next stitching station, as determined by the positioning of the indexing stop means 82 and clincherrbar 30 aligned therewith. This operation is sequentially carried out until the stitcher head 16 has traversed the entire length of the track and has functioned at each of the stitching stations provided. The panel assembly is then moved to another channel for further stitching. In the event that a different panel arrangement is to be prefabricated, the indexing stops 82 can be repositioned in alignment with the clincher bars 30 which are also rearranged to conform with a pre-determined stitching pattern.

By using the double ended stitching blocks 30 which are shown in the illustrative embodiment, the stitching operation can be carried out on channel members which open into opposite directions with a minimum of effort.

In order to facilitate the operation of the stitching head 16 in cooperation with the Iclinch forming grooves 51A and 51B on the opposite ends of the clinches blocks 30, the stitching head is laterally shifted by releasing latch pin and manipulating the operating lever 71 such that the stitching head 16 is moved into the alternative position for stitching. Lateral alignment is insured by the latch 72. arrangement which prevents any inadvertent lateral movement during the stitching operation.

In the construction of this apparatus, conventional materials of construction are utilized. It is essential, however, in services wherein a fastener means is ernployed having a reciprocating driving -means which exerts a large force against the fastener table during the fastening operation to provide sufficient structural rigidity to minimize any misalignment which might occur during the fastening operation. As shown in the illustrative embodiment, tubular structural members have been employed in fabricating the frame. However, structural elements having other cross-sectional configurations can be employed, depending upon the service in which the apparatus is to be utilized.

Although the subject invention has been described with reference to an illustrative embodiment of a stitching apparatus of this invention, designed to effect the prefabrication of metal lath and channel members, it

is evident that it can be also used in a number of other types of constructionfor the prefabrication of panel members. Although it is especially adaptable.for use in wire stitching operations, the concept of employing a movable fastener producing means which cooperates with a complementary stationary fastener producing means while retaining the work piece in a stationary position can be adapted to other types of operations wherein two cooperating and complementary fastener producing elements are utilized, such as spot welding wherein a movable electrode assembly could be substituted for the stitching head and a xed electrode assembly substituted for the clincher block assembly, or a simple stapling operation wherein preformed staples are used instead of wire stitches produced by conventional wire stitching machinery. It may be also desirable in order to facilitate the operation of the apparatus to eliminate the manual operation of the chain and sprocket drive and utilize an electric or hydraulic motor for effecting the movement of the trolley carriage 61.

These and other modifications and variations in the illustrative device will be obvious to one skilled in the art to which this invention pertains in order to employ the instant invention in a variety of different services. Accordingly, it is intended that this invention be limited only in the manner set forth in the appended claims.

What is claimed is:

1. A panel assembly apparatus for fastening a sheetlike material to a frame member which comprises a supporting frame, a track means transversely mounted on said frame, a base table mounted transversely on said frame below said track means, a trolley means mounted on said track means, a fastener means comprising a wire stitching head having a reciprocating driver and wire stitch-forming means dependently mounted on said trolley means, a plurality of clincher blocks for clinching formed stitches mounted on said base table, said clincher blocks having stitch clinching grooves provided therein to provide a plurality of stitching stations, indexing means mounted on said trolley means cooperating with said track means to temporarily lock said stitching head in stitching alignment with the respective stitching stations, and means for moving said trolley means along said track means.

2. A panel assembly apparatus for fastening a sheetlike material to a frame member which comprises a supporting frame, a track means transversely mounted on said frame, a base table mounted transversely on said frame below said track means, a trolley means mounted on said track means, fastener means comprising a Wire stitching head having a reciprocating driver and a wire stitch-forming means dependently mounted on said trolley means, a plurality of clincher blocks for clinching formed .driven stitches mounted on said base table and having means for adjustably positioning said blocks thereon, said clincher blocks having stitch clinching grooves providing a plurality of stitching stations, indexing means mounted on said trolley means cooperating with said track means to temporarily lock said stitching head in stitching alignment with the respective stitching stations, and means for moving said trolley means along said track means.

3. A panel assembly apparatus in accordance with claim 2 in which a work-piece supporting shelf laterally extends from said frame in substantial horizontal alignment with said clincher blocks.

4. A panel assembly apparatus in accordance with claim 2 in which clamping means are provided for holding the supporting frame in position on said clincher blocks while stitching the sheet-like material to said frame.

5. A panel assembly apparatus in accordance with claim 2 in which said fastener means is electrically operated and said indexing means includes stop means mounted on said track, a latch means cooperating with said stop means mounted on said trolley means, and an electrical control circuit comprising electrical switch means for operating said fastener means substantially concurrently with said latch means engaging said stop means and thereafter controlling electrical means for disengaging said latch means and said stop means.

6. A panel assembly apparatus in accordance with claim 2 in which said fastener means is laterally adjustable on said trolley means, and each clincher block is provided with oppositely positioned stitch clinching grooves which cooperate with said fastener means.

7. A panel assembly apparatus in accordance with claim 2 in which said base table is vertically adjustable.

8. A panel assembly apparatus for fastening a sheetlike material to a frame member which comprises a supporting frame having opposed end frames, a track means comprising a pair of spaced structural I beams transversely mounted on said frame, a lower base table mounted transversely on said frame below said track means, an upper base table vertically adjustably mounted on said lower base table, a trolley means comprising a wheeled carriage mounted on said track means, an electrically operated fastener means comprising a wire stitching head dependently mounted on said trolley means and laterally adjustable thereon, said stitching head comprising a reciprocating driver and wire stitch-forming means, a Iplurality of clincher blocks mounted on said upper `base table and longitudinally adjustable thereon, each of said clincher blocks having opposed stitch clinching grooves provided on the terminal ends thereof to provide a plurality of stitching stations,vl indexing means mounted `on said trolley means cooperating with said track means and said stitching stations to temporarily lock said stitching head in stitching alignment with the respective stitching stations, said indexing means including stop means mounted on said track means, a latch means cooperating with said stop means mounted on said trolley means, and an electrical control circuit comprising electrical switch means for operating said fastener means 'substantially concurrently with said latch means engaging said stops and thereafter controlling electrical means for disengaging said latch means and said stop means, means for moving said trolley means along said track means, clamping means for holding the frame member in position-on said clincher blocks while stitching the sheetlike material thereto, and a work-piece supporting shelf vlaterally extending from said frame in substantial horizontal alignment with said clincher blocks.

9. A panel assembly apparatus for fastening a sheetlike material to a frame member, said apparatus comprising a supporting frame, a track means transversely mounted on said frame, a base table mounted transversely on said frame below said track means, a trolley means mounted on said track means, a fastener head comprising a reciprocating fastener means, said fastener head dependently mounted on said trolley means, a plurality of clincher blocks for cooperating with said reciprocating fastener means, said clincher blocks mounted on said base table to form a plurality of stitching stations, indexing means mounted on said stitching head cooperating with said head and said stitching stations Vto temporarily lock said fastener head in fastening alignment with the respective stitching stations, and means for moving said .trolley means along said track means.

References Cited in the lle of this patent UNITED STATES PATENTS 3,026,519 Johnson Mar. 27, 1962 3,068,484 Moehlenpah et al Dec. 18, 1962 3,079,607 Jureit Mar. 5, 1963 

1. A PANEL ASSEMBLY APPARATUS FOR FASTENING A SHEETLIKE MATERIAL TO A FRAME MEMBER WHICH COMPRISES A SUPPORTING FRAME, A TRACK MEANS TRANSVERSELY MOUNTED ON SAID FRAME, A BASE TABLE MOUNTED TRANSVERSELY ON SAID FRAME BELOW SAID TRACK MEANS, A TROLLEY MEANS MOUNTED ON SAID TRACK MEANS, A FASTENER MEANS COMPRISING A WIRE STITCHING HEAD HAVING A RECIPROCATING DRIVER AND WIRE STITCH-FORMING MEANS DEPENDENTLY MOUNTED ON SAID TROLLEY MEANS, A PLURALITY OF CLINCHER BLOCKS FOR CLINCHING FORMED STITCHES MOUNTED ON SAID BASE TABLE, SAID CLINCHER BLOCKS HAVING STITCH CLINCHING GROOVES PROVIDED THEREIN TO PROVIDE A PLURALITY OF STITCHING STATIONS, INDEXING MEANS MOUNTED ON SAID TROLLEY MEANS COOPERATING WITH SAID TRACK MEANS TO TEMPORARILY LOCK SAID STITCHING HEAD IN STITCHING ALIGNMENT WITH THE RESPECTIVELY STITCHING STATIONS, AND MEANS FOR MOVING SAID TROLLEY MEANS ALONG SAID TRACK MEANS. 